Welcome to the 17th Edition
of the Maryland Bay Game!

This year’s theme, Explore & Restore, is more than a way of thinking — it’s a way of life. It’s about discovering, connecting and acting to protect and make better our natural world. It’s about inspiring young people like you to enjoy the wonders of nature while remembering that everything, including our own backyards, is an important part of the planet.

For example, most Maryland streams — maybe there’s one near your house or school — are part of the 10,000 miles of waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. When stormwater from rain or snow runs off into our local streams, it carries chemicals and pollution that can harm everything in its path all the way to the Bay: fish, birds, underwater grasses, and even humans if we aren’t careful.

The gifts of nature — a cool stream, a colorful bird, a forest full of trees — belong to all of us, for as long as we inhabit the earth. So it makes sense that these gifts are our responsibility, to care for and pass along to all who follow.

The good news is that every one of us can play a part in helping our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay become healthier. Imagine the impact we could make together if each of us did just one good thing for our environment every day — as simple as reducing waste by bringing your own empty bags to the grocery story or saving energy by turning the lights out when you’re not using them.

So, as you enjoy these games and explore our natural world, see if you can’t do one thing each day to make sure the kids of the future will enjoy the same beautiful Maryland that we do today.

Enjoy, explore & restore!

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

The 2014-2015 Maryland Bay Game was produced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Office of Communications and paid for by these generous sponsors and contributors. We extend our most sincere thanks to: